Method and means for marking surfaces



Jan. 24, 1933. J; MOORE METHOD AND MEANS FOR MARKING SURFAGES Filed July 17, 1931 Patented Jan. 24, 1933 UNITED stares JAMES L. MOORE, F MIDDLESBORO, KENTUCKY METHOD AND MEANS FOR MARKING SURFACES Application filed July 17, 1931.. Serial No. 551,513.

This invention relates to the art of applying painted markings to 4surfaces subject to mark-obliterating traffic, and more particularly to the marking of traffic lines and other 5 directional data upon the pavement of streets and other highways.

Marks of this nature, such as cross-walks and road-center lines, and other traic aids such as words of warning or stop signals,

are customarily painted upon the street or highway vpavements with ordinary paint. Since the paint does not dry immediately, it has been necessary heretofore to perform this marking work at night when traffic is y light, or if done during the day, either the freshly painted areas must be roped off to prohibit traffic thereov'cr until the paint dries, or if traiiic is unimpeded, the marks are rapidly obliterated and the street or highway surface is marred in appearance due to the wet paint being spread by the tires of passing vehicles. 1

It is' therefore one of the objects of the present invention to provide a novel method and means for marking surfaces subject to mark-obliterating traiiic which require little or no interruption to traffic and avoid the danger of damage to the freshly made marks.

Another object is to provide a novel method and means for painting marks upon a surface subject to mark-obliterating traffic' which include protection for the fresh paint until it has dried, without interruption of traffic. Y

A' further object is to provide a novel method and means for applying painted marks to a highway or other surface subject to mark-obliterating wear and for protecting said freshly painted marks against dam- 40 age by a' protective covering of paper.

These and other objects will appear more fully from a consideration of the detailed description of the invention which follows.

rlhe invention resides broadly in laying a strip of paint upon the surface to be marked and protecting the wet paint by a strip of paper. Since the oflice of the paper is merely to protect the painted marks from damage by traffic while wet, thepaper can evidently be very thin and of an inexpensive quality.

The invention may be practised in a number of various ways and by the use Yof various devices. For example, it may beperformed as a wholly manual operation, the markings rstbeing made manually with a paint brush andthen covered with paper by hand, or the two operations may be performed separately by machine, or even simultaneously by a single apparatus. The latter is probably the most practical method, and is the preferred form of the invention. @ne form of apparatus for carrying out the method has therefore been devised, and is described and illustrated in the accompanying drawing. It is to be expressly understood, however, that this drawing is for the purpose of illustration only and is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the invention, reference being had for this purpose to the appended claims.

"In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment 'of a` marking device constituting the means and illustrating the method which f form the subject matter of the present invention; and

Fig. 2 is a sectional side view of a portion of the marker shown in Fig. 1. A

Referring now to the drawing, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts throughout the two views, there is disclosed therein a novel form of marker for applying lines or other marks to highway or other surfaces subject to mark-obliterating traiiic, and for protecting said marks with a paper covering until such time as the marking paint or compound has dried. In the form shown, the marking is done with paint, or any other suitable compound, which is applied to one f side of a strip of paper, said strip then being rolled or pressed by suitable weighted roller` means onto the surface to be marked with the painted side down, the surface to be marked having been previously cleaned by a suitable cleaning device mountedin advance of the weighted roller.

In the embodiment shown, a substantially rectangular framework comprising a pair. of longitudinal side members 3 secured together` by a suitable cross brace 4 is provided adja.- 100 cent one end with a handle 5 which is adapted to be grasped by the operator for wheeling thel marker when in use. Adjacent the end of the framework opposite handle 5 is journ-alled, in suitable bearings 6, a hollow drum or roller 7 rwhich may be of any suitable construction, either metal or wood, butppreferably includes a band 8 of suitable'resilient material, such as sponge rubber, about the central portion of its rolling surface. suitable filling plug 9 is also provided in order that water or other ballast may be added to the interior of drum or roller 7 to properly weight it. v v

Supported above roller 7 by suitable stays or :braces 10 secured to side members 3 of the framework is a receptacle or tank. 11 Which'is adapted to containthe paint or other marking compound. Secured to, `and preferably made integral with, the bottom portion of tank 11 are a pair of downwardly extending arms or brackets 12 provided wit elongated slots 13 in which are housed the ends of a shaft 14 upon which a paint applying wheel or 'roller 15 is rotatably mounted. Suitable lock nuts 16y are threaded onto the ends of shaft 14 to provide for clamping wheel at any desired height relative to tank 11.. y

A roll of paper or other suitable stripping desired manner, as on a spool or spindle 18 carried by two ofthe stays or braces 10, the free end of said roll passing over a suitable guide wheel 19, then under paint 'applyingA wheel 1.5 and around the forward art vof the surface of roller 7 finally passing between said rollery and the surface to be marked. Where roller 7 is provided with the resilient band8, said band should be at least as wide as stripping 17, and stripping guide wheel19 and paint applying wheel 15 should be provided with suitable flanges and should be so centered with respect to roller 7 that stripping 17 lies entirely on said resilient band 8. If desired, a paper supporting arm or paddle 2() may be providedl for maintaining stripping 17 in close contact with the underside of paint applying wheelk 15, suitable spring arms 21 resiliently urging paddle upward to force the stripping against said paint applying wheel.

Suitable means are also provided for governing' the flow of paint fromvtank 11 onto paint applying wheel 15 comprising, in the form'shown, a transverse slot 22 formed in the bottommost portion of tank 11 and a gate valve 23 adapted to close'said slot, said valve having a threaded stem 24 passing through a fixed nut member 25 and provided with a suitable handle 26 extending above the hinged cover 27 of tank 11 whereby said valve may beraised and lowered any desired amount to control the liow of paint through opening 22 onto the surface of wheelv 15. A

suitable vertically adjustable knife edge or slide valve 28 is also provided adjacent opening 22 and extending transversely the width of wheel15 for governing the thickness and distribution of the paint upon wheel 15.

Since the surfaces to which the marks are to be applied are oftentimes dirtyand hence notin proper condition to receive paint, novel means have been provided for cleaning or A sweeping the surface to be marked in advance of the applicationof the marks thereto. As shown, a suitable cleaning device such as a wheel or drum 29 provided with a surface of comparatively stiff bristles or brushes 30 is suitably journalled between a pair of arms 31 which are in turn rotatably mounted on a. shaft 32 journalled in suitable bearingsasecured to the ends of side members 3 of the marker framework adjacent roller 7. The outer en dsof arms 31 are angularl offset in order to make the axis of rotation o sweepin wheel 29 obli ue with respect tothe axis o roller 7, there y insuring that the dirt which is swept from the surface to be marked is thrownout; at an angle, clear of the line on which the marking is to be a plied. The sweeping or brushing surface of preferably wider than stripping 17 in order yto insure that the part of the surface ony which i .stripping 17 is to be laid is thoroughly clean. 17 is rotatably mounted on the marker in any Any Vsuitable means may be provided for positively driving sweeping wheel 29 in the properdirection tothrow the refuse clear of the linerin which stripping 17 is to be laid,

that shown in the, present embodiment comprising a friction wheel v34 rotatably mounted on shaft 32 and in frictional drivingengagement with the periphery of roller 7, said friction wheel 34 being provided with a suitable pulley or grooved cylindrical projection 35 around which passes an endless belt or cable 36, the latter also passing around a 'similar pulley 37 mounted ony sweeping wheel 29. Since the axis of wheel 29 is oblique to shaft 32, suitable guide rollers 38 may be provided for belt or cable 36, secured to arms 31 at the point of angular offset.

The operation of the device thus described when used for marking highway or other surfaces is as follows: A roll of suitable paper stripping 17. is mounted on spindley 18 and the free end thereof led over guide wheel 19, between paddle 20 and paint applying wheel 15, and thence around the forward periphery of roller 7 .onresilient band 8 and passed betweenV said roller and the surface to be marked. ,Tank 11 is then filled with the proper paint or other marking compound, and gate valve 23 is opened the desired amount togovern the flow of marking liquid onto wheel 15. Knife edge or slide valve 28 is also adjusted to the proper height to wheel 29 is govern the thickness and distribution of the c the framework `until sweeping wheel 29is in contactwith thesurface to be marked. Y Then by pushing forward on handle 5 (to the right as viewed inl Fig. l) the marking device may be moved along the surface to be marked and any desired conguration ofmarking applied to said surface by appropriate guid ing by the operator. The marking itself is provided by the paint which is applied to onev Vside ofL stripping `17 by wheel l5, the painted side of said stripping being forced or pressed into intimate contact with the surface to be marked by the weight of thewater ork other ballast within roller 7. Since sweep- Y ing wheel 29 lthoroughly cleansthe surface to be marked just in advance yof* the painted stripping, adhesion between said stripping and said surface is assured.

Whenl a surfaceis marked in this manner, the wet p aint marking is adequately protected and there is no necessity for impeding traffic until the paint has dried. lVhen the paint has dried, the protective stripping may be left to be washed away by theelements, or otherwise removed bythe traiiic thereover. f

, If desired, wherethe markings are applied to street orsidewalks in populous localities, the side of the stripping to which the paint is not applied may be provided with any desired printed matter as indicated at 39, either in the nature of traffic safety slogans or the like, or advertising material.

There is thus provided b v the present invention a novel method and means for applying trahc or other markings to surfaces subject to mark-obliterating wear which permit such markings to be'done at any time with little or no interruption to traffic, and without danger of damage to the markings before they have dried. The novel'method and apparatus embodying the present invention permit wet markings to be applied to any surface and provide a protective covering of paper to prevent damage to the markings until they have thoroughly dried. The method and means thus provided are simple and ef ficient for the purpose intended, and greatly reduce the time and expense incident to markings of this nature.

It will be obvious that the invention is not limited to the exact method and form of apparatus described y and illustrated in the drawing, but is capable of a variety of applications and mechanical embodiments. For example, the method may be carriedr out by first painting the markings on the surface to befmarked and then, as a separate operation, applying the protective covering thereto, as well as by performing these operations si- 'l multaneously as herein disclosed. Also. the i various operations maybe performed either wholly manually, or bythe aid of suitable mechanical devices. It is also to be understood that the invention is not limited to markings applied to streets or other high-V ways, but is equally 'well applicable tothe marking of tennis courts, gymnasium floors, factory floors and any otherk surfaces to which marks of this general nature are applied. Furthermore, .any suitable form vof paint applying device or sweeper wheel drive may be substituted for those specificiforms shown and described. Various other changes, which will now appear to those skilled in the art, may be made in the form, details of construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit of the invention, and reference is therefore to be had to the appended claims for a definition of the limits of the invention.

Vhat is claimed is: y

l. A method of marking surfaces subject to mark-obliterating traffic, consisting of applying paint to the surface to bel markedand covering the wet paint with a protective covering of sheet material.

2. In a method of applying paintedmarks to a surface subject to mark-obliterating traflic, the step of covering thepainted marks while wet with a protective coating of paper.

3. In a method of applying painted marks to a surface subject to mark-obliterating traflic, the step of applying to the surface to be marked wet paintand a protective covering for the paint of sheet material.

4f. ln a method of applying painted marks to a surface subject to mark-obliterating traiiie, the step of simultaneously applying to the surface to be marked wet paint and a protective covering for the paint of paper.

5. In a method of applying painted marks to a surface subject to mark-obliterating traffic, the steps of applying the paint to one side of a strip of sheet material, and then placing the painted strip while wetupon the surface to be marked with theipainted side neXt to said surface. i l

6. In a method of applying painted'marks to a surface subject to mark-obliterating traffic, the steps of applying the paint to one side of a strip of paper, placing the painted strip while wet upon the surface to be marked with the painted side next to said surface, and rolling said strip into intimate contact with said surface.

7. A marker for applying marks to surfaces subject to mark-obliterating traiiic including a source'of marking liquid, a source of protective coating for said liquid, means for applying said liquid to one side of said coating, and means for laying said coating upon the surface to be marked with the liquid side in contact with said surface.

8. A marker for applying painted marks to surfaces subject to mark-obliterating traffic including a source of marking paint, a source of paper protective coating, means forapplying the paint to one side of said coating, andmeans for laying said coating upon the surface to be marked with the painted side in contact with said surface.

9. Av marker for applying painted marks to surfaces subject to mark-obliterating traffic including a source of marking paint, a source of sheet material stripping, means for applying said paint to one-side of said stripping, and means for pressing the painted side of said stripping into intimate contact with the surface to be marked. Y

10, A marker for applying painted marks to surfaces subject to mark-obliterating traffic including a source of marking paint, a source of sheet material stripping, means for applying said paint to one side of said stripping, means for pressing the painted sideof said `strippinginto intimate contact with the surface to be marked, and means for cleaning said surface in advance of the stripping to be applied thereto. f v

11. A marker for applying painted marks to surfaces subject to inark-obliterating traffic includingasource of markingvpaint, a :source of paper stripping, meanssfor applying said paint to one side of said' stripping, w vand roller means for laying said stripping on the surface toybe marked and for pressing its painted side into intimate contact with-,said surface.

` 12. A marker for applying painted marks to surfaces subject to mark-obliterating traffic including ai source of marking paint, a source of paper stripping, means Vfor applying said paint to one side of said stripping, roller means for laying said stripping onth'e surface to b'e marked and for pressing its painted side into intimate contact with said surface, and means for cleaning said surface in advance of the stripping to be applied thereto. i

. 13. A. marker for applying marks to surfaces vsubject to mark-obliterating traic including a source of stripping of sheet material having one side coated with a marking compound, andmeans for laying said strip-l ping upon the surface to be marked with the coated side ink contact with said surface.

14. A marker for applying marks to surfaces subject to mark-obliterating traffic including a source of stripping of sheet material having one side coated with a marking compound, and means for laying said stripping upon the surface to be marked and for pressing its coated side into intimate contact with said surface.

15. A marker for applying painted marks to surfaces subject to mark-obliterating traffic including a source of paper stripping havy ing onev side coated with vwet paint, `and weighted roller means for laying said strippinggon the surface kto be marked with the painted side down.

16. A marker for applying painted marks to surfaces subject to mark-obliterating traffic including a source of paper stripping having 'one side coated i withk `wet paint, weighted roller means for laying said stripping on the surface to be marked with the painted kside down,xand means for cleaning said surface in advance ofthe stripping to be applied thereto. f l,

17. Afmarker for applying paintedmarks to surfaces subject to mar -oblterating trac including-a source of marking paint, a source of paper stripping, means for applying paint from said supply Vto one side of said stripping, and a weighted roller around which said painted. stripping passes with the unpainted side in contact with the surface of said roller, said roller pressing the painted side of said strippinginto intimate contact with the surface to bemarked.` 1 'L j` 18. Afmarker for applying painted marks to surfaces subject to mark-obliteratin'g traffic including a source'of marking paint, aroll of paper stripping,fmeans for applying paint from said-paint source to' one fsideof said stripping, a' weighted kroller around rwhich said painted stripping passes With'the unpainted side in contact with the surfacefof said roller, said roller pressingfthe painted side of lsaid stripping into intimate fconta'ct with the surface to be marked, anda cleanin device mounted in advance of said weighte roller for cleaning said surface to be marked.r

19. A marker for applying painted marks to surfaces subject to mark-obliterating trac including a. framework provided with a handle adjacent one end, a weighted roller journalled in said framework adjacent its opposite end and adapted to roll on the surface to be marked, a source of paper stripping mounted on .said framework'and adapted to pass around said rollerand 'between it and said surface 'to be marked, a source of marking paint carried by said framework, and means for applying paint from said source tothe side of saidstrippingnot in contact withthe surface of said roller. y

20. A marker. for applying painted marks to surfaces subject to mark-obliterat ing trailic including a framework provided with a handle adjacent one end, a weighted roller journalled in said framework adjacent its opposite end and adapted to roll on the surface to be marked, `a, source of paper stripping mounted on saidframework and adapted to passaround said roller and between it and said surface to be marked, a source of marking paint carried by said framework, means for applying paint to the side of said stripping not in contact with the surface of said roller, and a cleaning device mounted on said framework in advance of said roller for cleaning the surface to be marked. f

In testimony whereof I have signed vthis specification.

JAMES L., MOORE. 

